14 February 2022
Institute news
A special partnership is helping a group disproportionally impacted by heart disease — tradies.
The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has partnered with trade supply company Reece Group since 2019 to develop an employee and customer engagement program that raises awareness of heart health and helps this group take steps to reduce their risk of heart disease.
The ‘Ticker Test’ is being promoted in Reece stores and offices across Australia and New Zealand throughout February. Users are asked a range of health questions to find out their risk of heart disease.
Those identified as medium to high risk receive follow up information to help guide next steps, developed by Baker Institute cardiologists. This includes resources to facilitate a heart health check that can further identify early warning signs.
Last year more than 4500 people completed the Ticker Test, and the team hope for an even bigger impact this year.
“Heart disease is Australia’s biggest killer and male tradespeople fall into a group at higher-than-average risk,” Baker Institute Director Professor Tom Marwick said.
“We want to help identify the early warning signs of heart disease and intervene before it’s too late.
“Partnerships like this are an important way we can engage traditionally hard to reach groups, supporting our mission to help all Australians live healthier for longer.”
De-identified data from the Ticker Test will be used to guide research to improve early detection and intervention measures to prevent serious heart disease.
Results from last year’s Ticker Test highlighted poor diet as the key contributor to heart disease risk in those tested. Less than a quarter were meeting diet and exercise recommendations.
Chief Communications Officer at Reece Group Lizzy Geremia said the organisation was passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of tradies.
“We know that for many of them their day-to-day food and fitness habits are having an impact on their heart health,” Ms Geremia said.
“Our partnership with the Baker Institute has been a great opportunity for our people to not only check in on their own heart health, but also have the conversation with their customers when they come into store.
“We are excited to continue working with the Baker Institute and using the insights from the Ticker Test to bring greater awareness to the health of tradespeople.”
